This project will create a mesh network with local civil society that will allow creation of secure digital practices in rural Colombia.

Afro-columbian and rural communities in Colombia are under frequent surveillance for their efforts to promote their rights. Organizations in this environment are often faced with throttled connectivity to mobile networks, making it extremely difficult to communicate and organize with one another safely. This project will create a mesh network with local civil society that will allow creation of secure digital practices in the field with its members. The mesh network will allow to update community websites, do digital security trainings with its members and allow for fast and secure communication with the outside world. The mesh network will also be used to connect smartphones through secure applications to make sure that the community members can communicate securely among them.

Addressed problems

  • Localized or nationwide communications shut down or throttling (Blackouts)
  • Blocking, filtering, or modification of political, social, and/or religious content (including apps)
  • Repressive surveillance or monitoring of communication
  • Policies, laws, or directives that increase surveillance, censorship, and punishment

Objective(s)

  • Training
  • Deploying technology

Beneficiaries

  • Ethnic minorities
  • Activists

Region(s) archive

  • Central America

Countries

  • Colombia

Technology attributes

  • Wireless Communication